Fabricated pole



Aug. 26, 1958 P. OAKLEY 2,848,769

FABRICATED POLE 7 Filed May 21, 1953- 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 g 65 Fig. 3

Fig. 4

Perry Oak/61y INVENTOR.

Aug. 26, 1958 P. OAKLEY 2,848,769

,FABRICATED POLE Filed May 21, 1953 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Fig. 6

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Perry Oakley INVENTOR.

FABRICATED POLE Perry Oakley, Superior, Mont.

Application May 21, 1953, Serial No. 356,387

8 Claims. (CI. 20-99) This invention relates in general to improvements in pole construction, and more specifically to an improved fabricated pole.

This application is a continuation-in-part application of my application Serial No. 279,674, filed March 31, 1952, now abandoned.

The primary object of this invention is to provide an improved fabricated pole which may be utilized in building constructions, as supports of all types, and as telephone and telegraph poles, the pole construction utilizing relatively small strips of lumber which may be suitably laminated together so that scraplumber may be utilized in the fabrication of relatively large poles.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved pole construction which may be of any size and which may be fabricated of a plurality of elongated strips of lumber, the fabricated pole construction being stronger than natural poles and being uniform in size and resistant to shrinkage and warpage.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved sectional pole which may be formed of relatively short lengths of lumber, the various sections of the pole being joined together in interlocked relation, the interlock being formed by varying the lengths of strips forming the sections.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved interlock joint between adjacent pole sections, the interlock joint utilizing tongues and grooves which are alternately spaced about the periphery of the pole sections, the tongue and grooves varying in heights so as to stagger the junctions between abutting ends of strips of abutting sections.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved fabricated pole which may be conveniently formed of scrap lumber which will have equal or greater strength than a solid pole of similar size and which is economically feasible.

A further object of this invention is to provide an improved silo construction which includes a plurality of laminated poles, opposed sections of adjacent poles being of lesser depth than other sections of the poles to form vertically extending grooves, slats extending between the adjacent poles and having their ends disposed within the grooves to form side walls of the silo.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

Figure 1 is an elevational view of a silo formed in accordance with the spirit of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the silo of Figure 1 with the top thereof removed to show the relationship of the various supporting poles of the silo and the manner in which slats forming the sides of the silo are supported by the poles;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary elevational view of a sim- States Patent Patented Aug. 26, 1958 plified form of pole incorporating the principles of the present invention;

Figure 4 is atop plan view of a fabricated pole especially designed for use in silo construction;

Figure 5 is an enlarged fragmentary exploded view of ends of adjacent sections of a sectional pole and show the relationship of the ends thereof which are adapted to be interlocked together;

Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 5 and shows a modified form of interlocking;

Figure 7 is an enlarged elevational view of the joint between the sections of Figure 5; and

Figure 8 is a transverse sectional view taken substantially upon the plane indicated by the section line 8-8 of Figure 7 and shows the relationship between various strips of the interlocked sections.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, it will be seen that there is illustrated in Figure 3 a fabricated pole which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 10. The pole 10 is the simplest form of fabricated pole conforming to the spirit of the present invention and is formed of a plurality of generally pie-shaped strips of lumber. The strips of lumber 12 are of various lengths so that the junctions between abutting ends of vertically aligned strips will be staggered throughout the length of the pole 10. The strips 12 are in face-toface engagement with circum'ferentially adjacent strips and are suitably secured thereto by a suitable adhesive.

It will be understood that the pole 10 may be formed of elongated strips of scrap lumber and that the same may be of any desired length and diameter by varying the sizes of the individual strips 12 and joining a plurality of such strips in end abutting relation. It will thus be seen that the pole 10 may be of uniform cross section and inasmuch as it is formed of a plurality of strips which are secured together by a suitable adhesive with their grain running in the desired directions the warpage of such pole is practically eliminated.

Referring now to Figures 5, 7 and 8 it will be seen that there is illustrated a modified form of pole which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 14. The pole 14 is formed of a plurality of elongated sections and includes the pole sections 16 and 18 illustrated. The pole section 18 which is the lowermost of the two pole sections, is formed of a plurality of strips which are generally pie-shaped in cross section as is best illustrated in Figure 8. The section 18 is formed of a first set of elongated strips 20 and a second set of elongated strips 22. Assuming the section 18 to be the bottom section of the pole 14 and having a square cut lower end, it will be seen that the strips 22 are of less length than the strips 2%. It will also be noted that the strips 20 and 22 are alternated about the circumference of the section l8. By so arranging the strips 20 and 22. it will be seen that there are formed circumferentially spaced sockets 24 which are alternated with upwardly projecting tongues 26, the tongues 26 being formed by the portions of the strips 24) extending upwardly above the upper ends of the strips 22.

The section 16 of the pole 14 is formed of a first set of elongated pie-shaped strips 28 and a second set of elongated pie-shaped strips 30. The strips 30 are disposed alternatingly with the strips 28 and their lower ends are disposed in vertically spaced relation with respect to the lower ends of the strips 28. If the section 16 is the uppermost section of the pole 14 and the same has a square cut upper end, it will be seen that the strips 30 are of different lengths than the strips 28. On the other hand, if the section 16 is an intermediate section of the pole 14, the strips 28 and 30 will be of equal lengths with the upper ends of the strips 30 extending vertically above the upper ends of the strips 28 (not shown).

By alternating the strips 28 and 30, it will be seen that ,3 r the space between adjacent strips 28 will form sockets 32 below the lower ends of the strips 30. Also, those portions of the strips 23 which extend downwardly below the lower ends of'the'strips '39 will form tongues 34.

In order that the sections 16 and 18'rnay'be conveniently interlocked to form the pole 14, the tongues 34 and the sockets 24 are complemental while the tongues 26 and the sockets 32 are complemental.

It will be understood that the pole 14 will be formed in'a plurality of sections such as the sections 16 and 18 and will be shipped in that manner. Then when the sections have reached the desired site they may be assembled in, the manner best illustrated in Figure 7 to form the pole 14. If desired, the interlocked end portions of the sections 16 and 18 may be secured together by the same type of adhesive utilized in securing together the strips forming the various sections to form a strong rigid joint.

Referring now to Figure 6 insparticular, it will be seen that there is illustrated a modified form of pole which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 36. The pole 36 is formed of a plurality of sections which include a lower section 38 and a relatively upper section 40.

vThe lower section 38 is formed of a plurality of pieshaped strips which are arranged in sets. The strips of the first set of strips are identified by the reference numeral 42 and decrease in length circumferentially about the pole section 38. The strips of the second set of strips are identified by the reference numeral 44 and also decrease in length circumferentially above the section 38, the lengths of the strips 42 and 44 decreasing in a counterclockwise direction with the strips 42 being disposed alternatingly with the strips 44 and the lengths of the strips 42 and 44 being out of phase. Thus it will be seen that certain of the strips 42 extend above certain of the strips 44 whereas other of the strips 44 extend above other of the'strips 42.

The section 49 is also formed of a pair of sets of elongated strips which are pie-shaped in cross section and which are secured together in face-to-face engagement by a suitable adhesive. The strips of a first set of strips are identified by the reference 46 and increase in length in a counter-clockwise direction about the circumference of the section 40 when viewed from above. The strips of the second set of strips are identified by the reference numeral 48 and also increase in length in a counterclockwise direction about the circumference of the section 40 when viewed from above.

It'will be noted that the strips 46 are disposed out of phase with the strips 48 so as to form a plurality of sockets and tongues. The sockets and tongues of the section' 40 are complemental with respect to the sockets and tongues of the section 38 whereby the sections 38 and 40 may be conveniently joined together with end portions thereof being interlocked. If desired, the interlocked end portions of the sections 38 and 40 may be permanently secured together by a suitable adhesive so as to strengthen the joint therebetween.

Referring now to Figure 4 in particular, it will be seen that there is illustrated a still further modified form of pole construction which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 50. The pole 50 is formed of a plurality of elongated pie-shaped across-sectional strips 52 which are suitably secured together in face-to-face engagement. elongated pie-shaped strips 54 which have lesser depths than the strips 52 so as to form a vertically extending groove 56 between strips 52 disposed on the opposite sides of each of the strips 54. It will be understood that the strips 52 and 54 may be sectional as in the case of the pole 10, or may be portions of pole sections, such as the pole sections of the poles 14 and 36. It will also be understood that the strips forming the sections of the poles 14 and 36 may not necessarily extend the full length '4 of their respective sections but may be in the form of short sections joined together intermediate the ends of the pole sections.

Referring now to Figures 1 and 2 in particular, it will be seen that there is illustrated a silo which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 58. The silo 58 is formed of a plurality of circumferentially spaced poles 50. The poles 50 are so arranged that the sections 54 thereof are in opposed relationwith respect to similar sections 54 of adjacent poles 50. In this manner the grooves 56 of adjacent poles '50 are in opposed relation.-

The sides of the silo 58 are formed'by a plurality of elongated slots 60which extend between adjacent poles 50. The ends of the strips 60 are disposed in the grooves 56 and retained therein by adjacent strips 52. It will be understood that the slats 60 are entered into the grooves 56 by dropping them in from the tops of. poles 50.

The silo 58 is completed by a plurality of vertically spaced circumferentially extending tie straps 62. The tie straps 62 are adjusted through theuse of a clamping bolt 64. The upper end of the silo 58 is closed by a suitable top construction 66.

From the foregoing, the construction and operation of the device will be readily understood and further explanation is believed to be unnecessary. However, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the The pole 50 also includes a plurality of invention to the exact cpnstruction shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

l. A laminated sectional pole construction comprising aplurality of pole sections, each of said pole sections being formed of a plurality of triangular cross sectional strips secured together in-face-to-face engagement, ends of adjacent sections being joined together in interlocked relation, said strips being of different lengths to form a plurality of tongues-and sockets, ends of adjacent sections being provided with complemental tongues and sockets 2. A laminated sectional pole construction comprising a plurality of pole sections, each of said pole sections being formed of a plurality of triangular cross sectional strips secured together in face-to-face engagement, ends of adjacent sections being joined together in interlocked relation, said strips being of different lengths to form a plurality of tongues and sockets, ends of adjacent sections being provided with complemental tongues and sockets, said tongues and sockets alternating about the periphery of the pole.

3. A laminated sectional'pole construction comprising a plurality of pole sections, each of said pole sections being formed of a plurality of triangular cross sectional strips secured together in face-to-face engagement, ends of adjacent sections being joined together in interlocked relation, said strips being of different lengths to form a plurality of tongues and sockets, ends of adjacent sections being provided with complemental tongues and sockets, said strips being arranged in sets, strips of each set being equal in length, strips of diflferent sets being of different lengths, strips of the different sets being alternated.

4. A laminated sectional construction comprising a plurality of pole sections, each of said pole sections being formed of a plurality of triangular cross sectional strips secured together in face-to-face engagement, ends of adjacent sections being joined together in interlocked relation, said strips being of different lengths to form a plurality of tongues and sockets, ends of adjacent sections being provided with complemental tongues and sockets, said strips being arranged in sets, the'lengths of strips of each-setincreasing about the'periphery of the pole.

5. A laminated sectional construction comprising a plurality of pole sections, each of said pole sections being formed of a plurality of triangular cross sectional strips secured together in face-to-face engagement, ends of adjacent sections being joined together in interlocked relation, said strips being of difierent lengths to form a plurality of tongues and sockets, ends of adjacent sections being provided with complemental tongues and sockets, said strips being arranged in sets, the lengths of strips of each set increasing about the periphery of the pole, strips of the different sets being alternated.

6. A laminated sectional construction comprising a plurality of pole sections, each of said pole sections being formed of a plurality of triangular cross sectional strips secured together in face-to-face engagement, ends of adjacent sections being joined together in interlocked relation, said strips being of different lengths to form a plurality of tongues and sockets, ends of adjacent sections being provided with complemental tongues and sockets, said strips being arranged in sets, the lengths of strips of each set increasing about the periphery of the pole, strips of the different sets being alternated, the strips of the different sets being out of phase.

7. A laminated sectional pole construction comprising a plurality of pole sections, each of said pole sections being formed of a plurality of triangular cross sectional strips secured together in face-to-face engagement, ends of adjacent sections being joined together in interlocked relation, said strips being of different lengths to form a plurality of tongues and sockets, ends of adjacent sec- 6 tions being provided with complemental tongues and sockets, said strips being arranged in sets, strips of each set being equal in length, strips of different sets being of different lengths, strips of the different sets being alternated, certain of said strips being of a less depth than others to form vertically extending grooves.

8. A laminated sectional construction comprising a plurality of pole sections, each of said pole sections being formed of a plurality of triangular cross sectional strips secured together in face-to-face engagement, ends of adjacent sections being joined together in interlocked relation, said strips being of different lengths to form a plurality of tongues and sockets, ends of adjacent sections being provided with complemental tongues and sockets, said strips being arranged in sets, the lengths of strips of each set increasing about the periphery of the pole, certain of said strips being of a lesser depth than others to form vertically extending grooves.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 127,047 Gritfenberg May 21, 1872 672,646 Mereness Apr. 23, 1901 1,091,559 Brown Mar. 31, 1914 1,137,842 Cram May 4, 1915 OTHER REFERENCES Scientific American, March 20, 1897, vol. 76, page 

